Floor drain

ABSTRACT

A floor drain includes a drain body, having a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet and a circular lower portion defining an outlet, a generally rectangular drain grate inserted into the inlet of the drain body, and a grout rim, supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/781,512, filed on Mar. 10, 2006, and entitled FLOOR DRAIN.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to floor drains for tiled showers and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rectangular floor drain with a flush-fit drain grate and a knife edge rim.

2. Related Art

Floor drains for showers and the like are most commonly circular in shape. Floor drain styles generally fall into two broad categories. The first category is drains that have grates fabricated from thin metals. These can be referred to as “top-mounted” strainers. The thin top-mounted strainers allow these to be set over top of the surrounding finished floor material. Finished flooring materials are grouted or caulked directly to and flush with the body of the drain, which also supports the perimeter of the thin strainer from below. These strainers self-finish, and do not require a surrounding grout rim.

Another common category of drains incorporates grates that are “flush-mounted”. These drains may have grates that are substantially thicker than top-mounted strainers. This drain style incorporates a grout rim that surrounds the grate and has an upper surface that is generally coplanar with the top surface of the grate. Flush-mounted drains are typically engineered with a controlled amount of clearance between the grate and the grout rim to allow for removal of the grate. This design also incorporates structure supporting the grate from below. The outer perimeter of the grout rim is bonded to the surrounding finished floor material with tile grout or caulking at installation.

Commonly constructed from stamped stainless steel or brass sheet material, top-mounted grates often incorporate snap features that allow them to be held in place without the use of screws. These may appear to be easy to remove without tools, but are often quite difficult to remove. Commonly available tools, i.e. a screw driver, do not adequately function as a removal tool. Due to their thin cross-sectional thickness, top-mounted drain grates are often not capable of supporting a substantial amount of weight, and are often observed having been deformed as a result. This style is not a good candidate for a square configuration because exposed corners are likely to become a hazard to bare feet. Should the grate become deformed, this problem becomes worse.

Floor drains with flush-mounted grates are commonly available with grout rim features that are formed from the same metal as the grate, or by a portion of the drain body that is allowed to be exposed. Both of these approaches have inherent design problems. Those designs that allow the drain body to be exposed are limited to having an aesthetically incompatible visual element surrounding the grate. The nature of grout rims is that they are a portion of the drain structure that are designed to be bonded into the finished floor installation, and cannot be removed.

There is a growing trend within the plumbing fixtures market to offer consumers a wider selection of metal finish styles and colors. The market is becoming much more design-conscious. Plumbing fixtures are now available in often more delicate patina finishes. Whereas the choices used to be limited to brass and chrome, now colors and finishes such as aged pewter, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, gun metal black, antique copper and others have become popular and widely available.

This greater variety of colors and finishes raises maintenance concerns. Because of the harsh nature of chemicals that are used to remove water deposits, mold and other common conditions, delicate patina surfaces cannot be exposed to such substances without becoming visually altered. This is especially the case for shower floor drains which are in contact with such chemicals for a much longer duration than fixtures mounted to vertical surfaces, for example. Additionally, because of their delicate surface finish, such drains cannot incorporate a matching grout rim that has any kind of delicate surface patina without a substantial risk of damage from maintenance procedures and chemicals. The likelihood that these would exhibit any durability is questionable. Additionally, screws that are frequently used to secure the grate are difficult and time consuming to remove. Moreover, sharp burrs can easily form on brass and stainless screw heads from repeated use, and screws can be dropped and become lost down the drain if care is not taken.

SUMMARY

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a floor drain having a grate that is simpler to remove and maintain.

It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to have a floor drain which is easy to set and does not include an unsightly grout rim.

It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to have a floor drain with a drain grate that is easily removable and can be constructed of a greater variety of materials for allowing a wider range of decorative appearance.

In accordance with one embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a floor drain, including a drain body, a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body and having a plurality of drain openings, and a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate. The drain body includes a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion being configured to interconnect to an underdrain structure. The grout rim has an outside surface having interlocking structure configured to interlock with surrounding materials, and a sharply tapered top edge, configured to reduce the visibility of the grout rim between the surrounding material and the grate.

In accordance with another aspect thereof, the invention provides a floor drain, including a drain body, a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body, and a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate. The drain body includes a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion being configured to interconnect to an underdrain structure. The drain grate includes a plurality of drain openings and a plurality of downwardly oriented mounting posts configured to insert into receiving holes in the drain body with an interference fit, whereby the drain grate is removably secured to the drain body.

In accordance with yet another aspect thereof, the invention provides a floor drain assembly, including a drain body having an outlet, a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body and having a plurality of drain openings, a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate, and an underdrain inlet attached to the outlet of the drain body. The drain body includes a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion having helical threads configured to threadedly interconnect with corresponding helical threads of an underdrain structure, whereby a height of the inlet can be adjusted by rotating the drain body about a central axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a floor drain in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the floor drain of FIG. 1, showing the drain grate;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the floor drain of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the floor drain of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the floor drain of FIG. 1, showing the drain grate, grout rim, and drain body;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the assembled floor drain;

FIG. 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of a complete installation of the floor drain of FIG. 1 in a shower floor assembly, and a drain grate removal tool;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a drain body of a floor drain assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a drain grate removal tool; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a floor drain assembly without a drain grate, showing one embodiment of a cover cap configured for use during installation of a floor drain assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

To address some of the problems with existing floor drain structures, the inventor has developed an easily removable drain grate that can include a desired delicate finish, surrounded by a minimal grout rim that is nearly invisible to the eye. When cleaning or maintenance is to be performed the grate can be quickly and easily removed to a place where care can be taken to clean it while preserving its designer finish. The design does not use screws to secure the grate, which avoids the difficulty and time required to remove them, and which can drop and become lost down the drain if care is not taken. The design also avoids sharp burrs that can easily form on brass and stainless steel screw heads from repeated use.

One embodiment of a floor drain device in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-6. The drain device 10 comprises three main parts: a drain body 12, a grout rim 14, and a grate 16. The drain body includes an upwardly open square top portion 18, with a downwardly extending circular threaded stem 20, and a tapered transition section 22 therebetween. The drain body as shown is a single integral piece of material, though it will be apparent that the body could also be assembled from multiple pieces. A variety of materials can be used for the drain body, including polymer materials such as ABS, PVC, etc. Other materials can also be used. The drain body can be injection molded, or produced by other methods. While the top portion of the drain body as shown in the figures is square in shape, other shapes can also be used in accordance with the invention, such as rectangular, round, hexagonal, etc.

The grout rim 14 is supported on a shoulder 24 of the top portion 18 of the drain body 12. The shoulder can be designed to provide three positive points of contact with the grout rim along each side of the drain body. This helps to ensure that the grout rim is level and rests firmly against the shoulder, to compensate for possible irregularities in the line and level of the grout rim that are a result of the casting and trimming process. As shown in FIG. 5, the grout rim can include a wedge-shaped locking tab 26, which interlocks with interlocking notches 28 disposed in the outer rim 30 of the top portion of the drain body. This interlocking configuration allows the grout rim to snap fit onto the top portion of the drain body with a tight, secure fit. The grout rim 14 can be of metal or other suitably strong material, and can be a single integral piece (e.g. a single metal casting), or can be an assembly of multiple pieces. The single piece configuration is believed to have greater strength and to simplify assembly.

The top edge 32 of the grout rim 14 is tapered to a very narrow edge, almost a knife edge, so that when the floor drain is installed with grout packed therearound, the grout rim becomes barely visible. The thickness of the top edge can vary. In one embodiment, the inventor has used a grout rim having a top edge having a thickness of from about 0.01 to 0.04 inches. The thickness of the top edge can also be in the range of about 0.01 to 0.03 inches. Additionally, the top edge can be configured with a radius. In one embodiment, the inventor has provided a radius equal to about half the thickness of the grout rim at top (e.g. about 0.005 inches) on the outside of the top edge (i.e. the side facing away from the inlet). Providing a radius only on the outside edge of the grout rim helps transition from the surrounding grout to the rim, and also maintains a square surface on the inside to match with the drain grate. To facilitate removal of the grout rim from a mold, the sides of the grout rim (both inside and outside) can be tapered at a slight angle of, e.g. 1 to 3 degrees. The outside edge of the drain grate (45 in FIG. 5) can be provided with a corresponding taper to enhance the fit between the grate and the inside face of the grout rim. The grout rim can be of a neutral color, so that it blends into its surroundings and becomes practically unnoticeable.

A cross-sectional view of the floor drain installed in a shower or the like is provided in FIG. 7. The outer faces of the grout rim are configured to provide a positive lock with the grout or other material that is packed around the drain, so that the rim is prevented from moving up or down with respect to the surrounding structure. Particularly, the grout rim includes an outside shoulder 34 and an inwardly tapered upper face 36 that interlock with the surrounding material to hold the rim in place and prevent upward movement of the rim relative to the surrounding grout. The grout rim also includes a lower tapered face 38 that helps prevent downward movement of the rim. These features interlock with the material surrounding the drain to hold it in its proper elevational position.

The grout rim 14 has a height that makes it taller than the outer rim 30 of the drain body 12, so that the top edge 32 of the grout rim extends above the top portion 18 of the drain body when the grout rim is installed on the shoulder 24. This upper portion of the grout rim is configured to surround the drain grate 16. The drain grate comprises a substantially planar piece of material with a plurality of drainage holes 40 formed in it. The drain grate can be of metal, such as brass, bronze, zinc, stainless steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. The grate can also be surface treated such as with a coating, plating, or chemical finish to provide a desired color, shine or patina. For example, the inventor has used a nickel plated zinc drain grate. Other platings can also be used, such as chrome and copper. The drain grate is supported by the top edge 42 of the upper portion of the drain body.

Unlike most floor drain devices, the drain grate 16 of this floor drain 10 is not attached with screws or other fasteners, but is removably inserted onto the drain body 12 with an interference fit. Alignment of the grate with the drain body is assisted by the grout rim 14, which surrounds the grate. Additionally, the drain grate includes a plurality of mounting posts 44, in this case one mounting post at each of the four corners, which extend downwardly from the plane of the grate and are configured to insert into corresponding grate mounting holes 46 in the drain body. The grate mounting holes can have a slightly tapering diameter that gradually diminishes in size, so that when the mounting posts are inserted into the mounting holes, they will naturally reach a position at which friction between the posts and the sides of the holes holds the grate structure to the drain body with an interference fit. The mounting posts can also have a mating angle to their outer surfaces to match the taper of the mounting holes. In addition to attaching the grate to the drain body, the mounting posts also align the grate with the drain body and the grout rim, so that the gap surrounding the grate is substantially uniform on all sides.

This interference fit configuration makes it easy to remove the drain grate 16 whenever desired, and avoids the use of small fasteners that can become lost down the drain when removed. Shown in FIG. 7 is one embodiment of a grate removal tool 48 that can be used to remove the grate from the drain assembly. This grate removal tool comprises a stiff, springy wire having a central handle portion 49 and two leg portions 50 that descend from the handle portion, with a hook 52 at the distal end of each leg portion. To remove the grate, the user holds the grate removal tool by the handle portion, and pushes the two hooks downwardly into two of the drainage holes 40 in the grate. When the hooks are pushed into the holes, the spring nature of the grate removal tool causes the free ends of the hook to bear against the underside of the grate. The user can then remove the grate by simply pulling upwardly on the tool.

An alternative embodiment of a grate removal tool 148 is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. This grate removal tool comprises a wire having a central handle portion 149 and two leg portions 150 that descend from the handle portion, with a hook 152 at the distal end of each leg portion. As can be seen in the figures, the hooks are oriented out of the plane of the removal tool. Further, one hook 152 a is oriented in one direction, while the other hook 152 b is oriented in roughly the opposite direction. To remove the grate with this tool, the user holds the grate removal tool by the handle portion, and inserts the two hooks downwardly into two of the drainage holes in the grate using a pivoting motion. That is, a user holds the removal tool at an angle (i.e. not perpendicular) relative to the drain grate to insert one hook into a first hole, then rotates the tool to an opposite angle to insert the second hook into a second hole, essentially weaving the hooks into two of the grate holes. When the hooks are inserted into the holes, the free ends of the hook bear against the underside of the grate, allowing the user to remove the grate by pulling upwardly on the tool.

Easy removal of the grate 16 is advantageous for in many ways. It is helpful for cleaning. For example, harsh abrasive cleansers that are often used to clean a shower floor or other surface around a drain can damage the drain grate. If the grate can be easily removed for cleaning, this can allow a wider variety of more delicate materials or materials with more delicate surface finishes to be used for grates. Easy removal of the grate is also advantageous from a decorative or maintenance standpoint. If one desires to replace a grate with a different color, material or style, for example, or a new grate is needed, this is a simple matter of removing one grate and replacing it with another. Easy removal of the grate is also advantageous in preparation for clearing clogs with a pipe snake or other device, and can also help avoid damage to the material of the grate or its finish from harsh clog dissolving or drain clearing chemicals.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the drain body can also include a group of set screw holes 54 which can be used for inserting a set screw 56 to assist in leveling the grate. When in place, the tops of these screws support the bottom of the grate, and by turning the screw a user can raise or lower the top of the screw to help maintain the level of the grate. This can be desirable where the grate is not exactly flat. It is to be understood that the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 can also be used without the set screws.

An alternative embodiment of a drain body 112 is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment the grate mounting holes 146 (into which the grate mounting posts of the grate insert) each include a relief slot 148 defined by side walls 154. The relief slot can serve at least two functions. First, it increases the flexibility of the grate mounting hole, which can be desirable for the interference fit of the grate mounting posts. If there are slight variations in the relative size or shape of the mounting holes and/or the grate mounting posts (due to manufacturing variations, for example), the increased flexibility of the mounting holes can allow greater tolerance for these variations. Additionally, the relief slots can provide an avenue for promoting removal of debris, such as sand, grout, etc., that might enter the mounting holes during construction or at other times. With a blind hole, debris can become trapped in the hole, and can thus hinder the fit of the drain grate into mounting holes, and can also cause a change in elevation or tilt of the drain grate, potentially exposing sharp edges or causing other undesirable conditions.

The threaded stem 20 of the drain body 12 is configured to screw into an underdrain fixture 58, shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7. This drain structure is typical of showers, but is only representative of the type of structure with which the invention is compatible. The outside threads 60 of the stem intermesh with the inside threads 62 of the underdrain fixture to allow precise adjustment of the height of the top of the floor drain. To raise or lower the top of the floor drain, a user simply rotates the drain structure about its axial centerline 64.

The underdrain fixture 58 is typically attached to a waterproof membrane 66, which has a flat bottom surface 68 that is to be supported on a building subfloor, and a sloped top surface 70 that is configured to promote drainage toward the drain. Finished floor material 72, such as ceramic tile, porcelain, or the like, is affixed to the top surface of the mortar bed using thinset mortar 74 or other suitable material. Once the drain is adjusted to the proper height, the grout is packed in around it to eliminate any voids. Then, when the floor surface material is in place, grout is also packed around the grout rim 14 to provide a secure construction.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover cap 116 configured for use during installation of a floor drain assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover cap is configured similar to a drain grate (16 in FIG. 1) and includes mounting posts 144 that are positioned to fit into the mounting holes 46 in the drain body 12 with an interference fit, in a manner similar to the installation of the drain grate (16 in FIG. 5). The cover cap serves several functions. During installation of the drain assembly and construction of the surrounding floor, the cap can be temporarily inserted into the drain inlet opening instead of a drain grate. This protects the drain grate from possible damage during construction. Additionally, because the top surface 140 of the cap does not include any openings, the cover cap prevents sand, grout, or other construction debris from falling into the drain or becoming lodged in the grate mounting holes or other portions of the drain during construction.

Additionally, the cover cap 116 helps maintain the shape and integrity of the grout rim 14 during construction. Because the grout rim tapers to a relatively sharp top edge 32, the grout rim can be quite thin and flexible and susceptible to damage during construction of the surrounding floor. The cover cap can be designed to have a very tight fit with the grout rim (e.g. having a much tighter fit than is intended for the drain grate) so as to provide positive mechanical support of the grout rim during construction, to prevent the rim from being bent, damaged, etc. The cover cap can be made of resilient polymer materials, such as polypropylene, etc. The top of the cover cap can be smooth, so as not to interfere with screeding of the surrounding floor. To remove the cover cap, a user can cut it with a blade and remove it in pieces, or drive a screw into the cap and pull the cap out of the drain body while gripping the screw. Other removal methods can also be employed.

This invention provides several advantages. It provides a drain device that is easier to match with tile because it has straight sides (i.e. no curved cutting required), and matches more easily to the generally planar slope segments of a typical shower floor. Since the drain body and grout rim has square corners, tile can be cut to fit using saw cuts alone, with no grinding required (e.g. to form a rounded or curved corner). The knife-edge metal rim practically disappears, providing a more pleasing appearance than thick metal or plastic rims of typical round grates. Additionally, because the grate is not attached with fasteners, it can be easily removed for protection from harsh cleansers or clog clearing chemicals. This allows a variety of more delicate materials to be used for the grate, and also allows easy replacement of the grate for decorative reasons.

By way of example, and without limitation, the invention can be described as a floor drain, including a drain body, a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body and having a plurality of drain openings, and a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate. The drain body includes a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion being configured to interconnect to an underdrain structure. The grout rim has an outside surface having interlocking structure configured to interlock with surrounding materials, and a sharply tapered top edge, configured to reduce the visibility of the grout rim between the surrounding material and the grate.

As another example, the invention can be described as a floor drain, including a drain body, a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body, and a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate. The drain body includes a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion being configured to interconnect to an underdrain structure. The drain grate includes a plurality of drain openings and a plurality of downwardly oriented mounting posts configured to insert into receiving holes in the drain body, whereby the drain grate is removably secured to the drain body.

As yet another example, the invention can be described as a floor drain assembly, including a drain body having an outlet, a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body and having a plurality of drain openings, a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate, and an underdrain inlet attached to the outlet of the drain body. The drain body includes a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion having helical threads configured to threadedly interconnect with corresponding helical threads of an underdrain structure, whereby a height of the inlet can be adjusted by rotating the drain body about a central axis.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements in form, usage and details of implementation can be devised without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles, concepts, and scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as set forth in the claims. 

1. A floor drain, comprising: a drain body, having a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet, the lower portion being configured to interconnect to an underdrain structure; a generally rectangular drain grate inserted into the inlet of the drain body; and a grout rim, supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate, having a knife-tapered top edge, configured to reduce the visibility of the grout rim between the surrounding material and the grate.
 2. A floor drain in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lower portion includes helical threads configured to threadedly interconnect with the underdrain structure, whereby a height of the inlet can be adjusted by rotating the drain body about a vertical axis.
 3. A floor drain in accordance with claim 1, wherein the drain body defines receiving holes in the inlet, and the drain grate includes downwardly oriented mounting posts configured to insert into the receiving holes with an interference fit.
 4. A floor drain in accordance with claim 3, further comprising a relief slot, communicating between each receiving hole and an interior of the drain body.
 5. A floor drain in accordance with claim 1, further comprising vertically oriented set screws, threadedly connected to the drain body below the drain grate, configured to contact an underside of the drain grate and allow adjustment of a vertical position of the drain grate.
 6. A floor drain in accordance with claim 1, wherein the grout rim includes interlocking structure, configured to mechanically interlock with surrounding grout material.
 7. A floor drain in accordance with claim 1, wherein the knife-tapered top edge of the grout rim has a top edge with a thickness of from about 0.01″ to about 0.03″.
 8. A floor drain in accordance with claim 1, wherein the drain grate is of a material selected from the group consisting of brass, bronze, zinc, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel plated zinc, chrome plated metal, and copper plated metal.
 9. A floor drain in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a cover cap, configured to fit into the inlet to support the drain body and the grout rim during installation of the floor drain.
 10. A floor drain, comprising: a drain body, having receiving holes, a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet, the lower portion being configured to interconnect to an underdrain structure; a generally rectangular drain grate, supported by the drain body, having a plurality of drain openings and a plurality of downwardly oriented mounting posts configured to insert into the receiving holes with an interference fit, whereby the drain grate is removably secured to the drain body; and a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate.
 11. A floor drain in accordance with claim 10, wherein the lower portion includes helical threads configured to threadedly interconnect with the underdrain structure, whereby a height of the inlet can be adjusted by rotating the drain body about a vertical axis.
 12. A floor drain in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a relief slot, communicating between each receiving hole and an interior of the drain body.
 13. A floor drain in accordance with claim 10, wherein the grout rim includes a knife-tapered top edge with a thickness of from about 0.01″ to about 0.03″ and an outer radius of about 0.005″, configured to reduce the visibility of the grout rim between the surrounding material and the grate.
 14. A floor drain in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a cover cap, configured to fit into the inlet to support the drain body and the grout rim during installation of the floor drain.
 15. A floor drain assembly, comprising: a drain body, having a generally rectangular upper portion defining an inlet aperture, and a circular lower portion defining an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet aperture, the lower portion having helical threads configured to threadedly interconnect with an underdrain, whereby a height of the inlet can be adjusted by rotating the drain body about a central axis; a generally rectangular drain grate supported by the drain body and having a plurality of drain openings; a grout rim supported by the drain body and surrounding the drain grate; and an underdrain attached to the outlet of the drain body.
 16. A floor drain in accordance with claim 15, wherein the drain body defines receiving holes in the inlet, and the drain grate includes downwardly oriented mounting posts configured to insert into the receiving holes.
 17. A floor drain in accordance with claim 15, wherein the grout rim includes a knife-tapered top edge with a thickness of from about 0.01″ to about 0.03″, configured to reduce the visibility of the grout rim between the surrounding material and the grate.
 18. A floor drain in accordance with claim 15, wherein the drain grate is of a material selected from the group consisting of brass, bronze, zinc, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel plated zinc, chrome plated metal, and copper plated metal.
 19. A floor drain in accordance with claim 15, further comprising a grate removal tool, configured to insert through one or more openings in the drain grate, to facilitate removal of the drain grate from the drain body. 